The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 237

Vers. 8-15. (GILGAL.)-The first wrong step. All men are subjected in life to various tests which prove "what spirit they are of." These tests may appear insignificant in themselves (like that which was applied to Adam and Eve-Gen. ii. 17), but they involve important principles, and the manner in which they are endured is followed by serious consequences. The position of Saul necessitated ii. trial of his fidelity to the fundamental principle of the theocratic kingdom, viz., unconditional obedience on the part of the king to the will of God as declared by his prophets. He was directed (1) to wait for Samuel seven days, and (2) to attempt nothing till he came (eh. x. 8). He omitted the former and did the latter, and thuR took his first wrong step-a step never retraced, and leading to a course which ended on the fatal field of Gilboa. Observe-- I. ITS APPARENT EXPEDIENCY. His conscience told him that it was not right, as be virtually acknowledged in the defence he offered for his conduct (vers. 11, 12). Yet he persuaded himself (as others are accustomed to do) that it was venial, expedient, and even necessary, because of-1. The pressure of worldly circumstances. "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me," &c. Resources diminish, and danger is imminent. When they are considered in themselves alone, anxiety and fear increase, and temptation becomes strong to make use of any means of relief that may be presented. How often are men tempted by the plea of necessity to disobey the voice of conscience 1 The tempter says, "It is better to steal than starve, better to sin than perish." 2. The disappointment of religio1is expectations. '' And that thou earnest not at the appointed time." " Help has been long waited for, but it comes not; nor is it likely, now that the seventh day is drawing to a close, that it will come at all. The promise has not been fulfilled. The time for action has arrived, and the long delay indicates that the most expedient course must be taken. Nothing else remains. If there be any blame, it cannot be attributed to one who has waited so long, has been left in such extremity, and acts for the best." 3. The ejficacy of ceremonial observances. "And I forced myself, and offered a burnt offering." Inasmuch as such an offering was required on entering upon his enterprise against the Philistines, he could not hope to succeed without it, and be had at all times great regard for the external ceremonies enjoined by the law (eh. xiv. 33, 35). A doubtful or wrong act is often supposed to be blameless when performed in con- nection with sacred rites, or with a righteous end in view (John xvi. 2); and dis- obedience is sometimes clothed in a religious guise, its real nature being thereby obscured to the view of conscience, and its commission rendered easy. 4. The prospect of immediate advantages. Apparent and immediate good is the first and last and most powerful incentive to departure from the path of duty. "The tree was good for food, and pleasant to the eyes," &c. (Gen. iii. 6). "And the history of Adam is as ancient as the world, but is fresh in practice, and is still revived in the sons of Adam." II. ITS REAL CULPABILITY. "What hast thou done?" said Samuel, speaking as with the voice of God, and seeking to arouse his conscience and lead him to repent- ance. He had been guilty of-1. Disobedience to a plain commandment. "Thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God" (ver. 13). The fact could not be denied. He had not waited all the appointed time, and he had acted without Divine direction. He had rejected the supreme authority of the Divine King, and no excuse that might be made could do away with his guilt. "Sin is not estimated by God according to its outward form, but according to the amount and extent of the· principle of evil embodied in that form." 2. Distrust of promised help. Men some- times wait long for the fulfilment of Divine promises, but not long enough ; and tl'!ir lack of perseverance shows weakness or absence of faith. The force of adverse 1ircumutances is exaggerated by being exclusively dwelt upon; doubt of the power of God prevails through disreg·ard of preservation from harm hitherto afforded ;. and ns faith unites the soul to God, so unbelief severs it from him, leaves it a prey  238 THE FinST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. xm. 1-23.